A Photo Journal of Our Life.

There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter. ~ Rachel Carson

We finally got some snow. February seems the typical time for us but last year was so freaky with so much snow we didn't really know what kind of winter we were in for.

I love the first night of a good snow. Fireplace going. Candles. Watching the flakes whirl and fall from the long windows. It is a magical feeling. Really peaceful. Like the earth is being cleansed. And I love the wonderland of the first day. The dogs love it so much and the little kids, I just hate for a year to go by without any. That said, now I will happily roll on into warm weather and flowers.

Above Toonces is making holes in the frozen pond. Last year almost all our fish died. The pond was frozen for over 2 months. I guess they didn't get enough oxygen. This probably doesn't work but just in case he is trying. This winter has been milder so hopefully they will survive, but we are in for really cold brutal days ahead. I've been diffusing thyme, eucalyptus oil and peppermint. Great for the toll the cold air takes on your sinuses.

Adorably baby Zuzu the donkey has tolerated the snow well. She seemed fascinated the first day but she was so frozen it worried me a bit. She cuddles to the old horse in the barn when she is cold. She could stay in but prefers to be out and about watching what is going on.

Me playing around with yoga poses in the snow before Eudora knocked me down. I couldn't roll open on the ledge. My coat too puffy for eagle.

And the photo we do every year. Earl looking like an old man. Such good dogs. The best dogs. I've been blessed.

Sunday, February 08, 2015

“Before I can live with other folks I’ve got to live with myself.”

Lately I've been doing a lot of DIY projects. Especially when it comes to household cleaning and body care. From body butters to anti-aging oils to remedies for friends I've been busy with essential oils. My new obsession. I am now a Doterra wholesale advocate but I also use Mountain Rose Herbs, Aura Cacia, and Native American Nutritionals. I even have a few from Plant Therapy and Eden. It depends on what I am trying to learn and what I am using the oils for.

Above is a photo of organic white vinegar with nectarines added to the jar. I hate the smell of vinegar but need it for cleaning so I add the peelings as we eat them. And we eat a lot of those little guys this time of year. I store them for a couple of weeks and the vinegar smell isn't quite as bad. Then after I add citrus oils and tea tree I have a natural cleaning smell that doesn't reek of vinegar.

Right now I have frankincense, On Guard, and peppermint diffusing as I work. While clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and orange smells are my faves to diffuse, at least for winter months, it has been fun playing around.

It is funny how life sends us through shifts of interests. I seem so far from the person who started this blog. Older for sure. Kinder hopefully. And while family, pets, and home are still on top of my priorities that list now includes yoga and essential oils. Photography still there too. Hopefully much improved from all those years.

My hope in 2015 is to shift this blog more toward my enlightened life now.

This has been the winter of basketball. With 5 out of 6 playing, and Bronx would if he could, I have spent a lot of time in the bleachers with my camera. This is Ben (the middle) playing great defense. He came off a big win yesterday.

Izzy just finished her JV season. They do not go to tournaments, only Varsity. She had a phenomenal season. Great stats and seems to be well on her way to a bright future in the sport.

Caleb, 42, who knew he'd be so tall? Finishing his year soon, regular season over. I've enjoyed watching these guys.

Monday, January 19, 2015

"I remember to breathe throughout the day. I remind myself that I can choose peace, no matter what is going on around me. Whenever I desire, I can retreat to that quiet place within simply by closing my eyes."

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

I don't have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life. - Kerry Washington

A snuggly winter day.

Bronx doing dinosaur puzzles on the Ipad. I have put furniture in the new bedroom now except for finding night stands (I want antiques since the other is new to balance the room) and I am refinishing an antique vanity that was in my mother's family for my dressing table.

I don't have the proper bedding on yet as I wanted to get through the holidays before starting that project. I don't want to rush it so it will be perfect. I am sure knowing me, and Martin, that I will go white and cuddly and soft and then add a beautiful quilt that pops with the color turquoise. That is what I am thinking anyway. It's nice to have these little projects out there for me.